Principal's Message for April 12, 2017

The latest message from Principal David Ortiz

Principal’s Message: David L. Ortiz

General:

Welcome Back: I hope you had a wonderful spring break. I hope you were able to relax and enjoy your family, friends, and favorite activities. Please contact us if you need assistance as the end of school (June 8) is rapidly approaching

4th Quarter: Now that we are into the 4th quarter, we will accelerate our effort to prepare for the state tests; California Assessment of Students Progress and Performance (CAASPP) and California Science Test (8th grade only). The testing calendar will be April 24 to May 12. I will forward testing information via this document, website, and ParentSquare. If you have any questions, please contact our testing coordinator, Ms. Nevarez (Assistant Principal, cnevarez@sbunified.org, ext. 3111).

Annual School Accountability Report Cards: California public and nonpublic, nonsectarian schools annually provide information to the community to allow public comparison of schools for student achievement, environment, resources and demographics. The district's School Accountability Report Cards are now accessible online:

Parent Engagement: There are three key ways to get involved in school: PTSA, English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC), and Staff Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SSEPAC):

English Language Advisory Committee: (ELAC, meeting 2nd Monday, 6:00, library). Notifications will be via ParentSquare and website. The next meeting is Monday, 5-8-17.

Staff Special Education Parent Advisory Committee: (SSEPAC, future meetings will be 5-3-17). Contact assistant principal, Jennifer Foster (ext. 3112, jfoster@sbunified.org). The agenda will include program, school and district updates as well as a report on the new proposed reading program.

PTSA Parent Program (April): During our April Parent Board meeting, Laurie Cortez, Independent Educational Consultant and owner of College Coaching Services, spoke with us, highlighting the criteria college admissions officers look for when evaluating college applications. Ms. Cortez states there are six main “pieces of the application puzzle” students need to be aware of when preparing themselves for future college admission:

Earning a strong GPA, with rigorous courses

Maintaining a challenging high school curriculum

Earning solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT)

Demonstrating depth of involvement and leadership in select activities

Developing well written, insightful and highly personal college application essays

Submitting letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors that provide evidence of integrity, love of learning and special talents/character traits

Ms. Cortez stressed the importance of making the college preparation process part of frequent family discussions. In junior high school, students should develop strong study habits, challenge themselves with rigorous courses in areas of their strength, and research various universities. These skills/activities should build throughout high school,

The application process can be a bit overwhelming, however when students begin the preparation phase early on, they are working toward a goal and alleviating much of the stress inherent in the application process.

College Coaching Services offers a comprehensive college preparation package, designed to individually assist students from the research/resume development phase of the application process entirely through the application submission phase.

If you would like more information about how College Coaching Services can assist you and your child, please email Ms. Cortez at: collegecoaching1@gmail.com

Announcements:

AHA! Peacebuilders Community Service Certificate: This opportunity is available to La Colina Junior High School 8th graders.Students have the opportunity to participate in “Peace Builders,” a six week Student Leadership Training in which students learn essential interpersonal and leadership skills focused on conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. Community Service Certificate received at end of training is also an excellent extra curricular activity on college applications and internship resumes. Please pick up an application in the office and return completed application to the office. “Peace Builders” takes place every Thursday during 7th period in room 304 with trained facilitators.

Slime: This substance is not allowed on campus as it is a distraction to the learning environment.

Selling @ School: Students are not allowed to sell items (such as candy, "slime," etc.) on campus. Any fundraisers done on campus must be sponsored by an approved club or organization and approved by our ASB and administration

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The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUnified) prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, immigration status, religious beliefs or customs, sexual orientation, parental, pregnancy, family or marital status, military status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. SBUnified requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

The Governing Board prohibits sexual harassment of district employees and students. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who reports, files a complaint or testifies about, or otherwise supports a complainant in alleging sexual harassment.